Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice

MPA Program

Director: Dr. Sam Fisher
Office: HUMB# 233
Phone:460-7204
Email: sfisher@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The Master of Public Administration program (MPA) is affiliated with the Political Science Department. The program offers aspects of administration such as planning, budgeting, finance and personnel management.

The MPA program serves a wide variety of students in terms of academic and vocational background. No undergraduate major is required, but certain prerequisites must be met before a student can enroll in the required core course. Student's normally enter the core curriculum in Fall Semester. The curriculum includes the following courses.

Requirements	Course Title
PSC 500	Public Administration Organization & Behavior: Theory and practice
PSC 510	Intergovernmental Relations
PSC 520	Research Methods and Design
PSC 530	Quantitative Analysis
PSC 540	Government Personnel Management
PSC 550	Managing the Public Budget
PSC 570	Administrative Law
PSC 580	Public Policy Analysis & Evaluation

In addition, students take 12 semester hours (four courses or the equivalent in electives. An internship or thesis is optional). A comprehensive examination is required. Full information on admission procedures, academic standards and degree requirement can be found in current University of South Alabama Bulletin. Financial aid is available to full-time students.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School criteria (see Categories of Admission).

REGULAR ADMISSION

Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale).
Satisfactory GRE (or equivalent standardized test) scores (at least 1000 combined score on the Verbal and the Quantitative Subtests). The GRE requirement may be waived for holders of earned advanced degrees on the recommendation of the program coordinator.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

In addition to the minimum standards required by the Graduate School, the student must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 and submit GRE general test scores.

Some Question and Answers about the MPA Program

Q: I currently hold a full-time job. How can I go to school too?

A: All of the courses are offered in the evening. It is possible to earn a degree after normal business hours.

Q: How long does it take to earn an MPA degree?

A: Variable, since students can set their own pace. Most evening students take either one or two courses a semester. The program can be completed in less than two years; maximum five years is allowed.

Q: I have never worked in government, but would like to enter that career. Can the MPA program help me gain experience?

A: Yes, for students without on-the-job experience we arrange internships in government or public services agencies. Frequently, internships turn into employment possibilities.

Q: I am a health professional. Can I benefit from an MPA degree?

A: Definitely. Whether employed in health care, education, law enforcement or in another area of public service, advancement to managerial positions is enhanced with training in public administration and management.

University of South Alabama - Mobile Alabama 36688-0002 / 1 (251) 460-7161
For questions or comments Contact Us
Date last changed: November 1, 2007 10:28 AM
http://www.southalabama.edu/poliscie/mpa.html

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